The Enjoyment of Growing Oregano From Cuttings
Yes, growing oregano from cuttings is possible, and it is often done. Just like any other plant, organs grow best when they get plenty of sunlight, so that their roots have all the nutrients they need. The best way to provide ample light for organs to grow is by planting them in a container. If you want your first cuttings to be as successful as possible, you might consider planting them right next to a flowering shrub or plant, such as an azalea, honeysuckle, or a bush honeysuckle. All of these plants will provide the sun they need.
Of course, planting oreganos is a bit trickier than planting most other plants. You have to start them out in the right environment-specifically, soil with a lot of nutrient-rich, deep layers. When organs grow well indoors, they tend to have shallow roots because soil with a lot of water is shallow and provides less support. The key, then, is to provide ample moisture (the same kind you get in a watering can) to the roots as soon as you can, and keep them well watered until the flowers begin to bloom.
When you’re ready to plant, choose a spot with a lot of sun, because it is much easier for herb growing plants to thrive in sunny climes. A spot at the end of a fence or across the back yard would be perfect, as long as there is adequate drainage. To prepare the soil, mix coarse sand into moist soil and then spread it over the entire surface. The final step is to add peat moss, which protects plant roots, and finishes off your preparation.
If you are planting from cuttings and not seeds, you need to do one last preparation before planting. Cuttings do not always come with the full reproductive leaves, so you will have to take this into account when planning where to place your seeds. If you have the option, try to go outdoors and let your cuttings remain exposed to the elements while you wait for them to sprout fully.
As for the cutting, there are two basic methods. The first is called “slashing” and involves cutting the stem into strips about six inches long. This produces an open, short cylinder that can easily be filled with dirt and fertilizer, and then planted in the garden. Keep in mind, though, that if you are planning to propagate your cuttings this way, you will want to use a sharp knife and make every cut very clean – no scars or scratches. It is also important not to move your cutting towards the flower clusters or oregano plant, as the small pieces of plant often get lost along the way. Just keep to the shortest, direct cut.
The second method of cutting organs stems is by making sure to remove as much of the stem as possible without damaging the foliage. Simply dig out the entire cutting and spread the soil around, making sure to anchor it in the dirt before filling in any holes or pockets. If the area you’ve cut into is a bit trickier to deal with, consider using a sharp spade and scooping out as much of the cut surface as possible, making sure to anchor it securely in the garden soil before spreading it around. Just make sure that you fill in any pockets or holes with fertile soil and make sure that you replant all the plants carefully so that they don’t overlap each other.
Finally, after your cuttings have been planted and have sprouted, you must begin shaping them. Oreganos have large roots which form a deep mat under the soil, and you will need to take advantage of this matriculation if you want to have any hope of shaping your cuttings into something desirable. One way to accomplish this is to simply set a few pots on top of the same depth of soil; after giving them a couple of days to settle, you can remove them, move them to a new pot, and put them back into the original hole.
Once you have finished shaping and planting your cuttings and once you have had a chance to enjoy your beautiful new growth, you will have developed a truly remarkable culinary herb. The unique combination of flavors from the various parts of the plant combined in a cut root allows organs to have a balanced flavor that is found only in Greece. And now, with just a bit of observation and some patience, you can begin to enjoy the healthy benefits of growing this herb in your own garden. Your effort will be rewarded with long-lasting flavor that you can truly use daily.